Angela Hernandez Callejas joined RCC’s English as a Second Language program in the summer of 2023, coming to us from Hidalgo, Mexico. She expressed her interest in both ESL and citizenship classes, with the goal of transitioning from her role on the cleaning staff at a local hospital to a career in healthcare.
While waiting for her citizenship exam, Angela diligently prepared for both the USCIS exam and met the requirements for funding through the Pre-College Education (PCE) department to pursue a short-term certificate program.
Angela’s journey is a powerful example of how RCC’s program serves as a launchpad for students to pursue their next steps—whether it’s furthering their education, making a career change, achieving personal or family goals, and beyond. RCC celebrated with Angela when she passed her citizenship exam, supported her as she completed the nursing assistant (NA1) program at RCC, and is proud to see her now enrolled in credit-bearing courses, working toward a nursing major.
Here’s an excerpt from an interview with Angela:
“I’ve had challenges, but what motivated me was that I saw the need to help people in other ways than I was doing before. I was working as a housekeeper for the same hospital that I have since been hired at to be a CNA 1. I realized I needed to be closer to people in a caretaker role, so I looked for next steps at RCC. I learned more English, earned a certification to become a CNA, and it’s motivated me to continue studying. My husband is also now taking classes and working toward becoming a CNA 1 too.”
Angela’s advice for future students:
“It is important to attend the courses after you sign up, which is difficult sometimes. I’d also say don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, because it’s there. If anyone is interested in a short-term certificate program, you really do need the English level appropriate for that coursework because it is difficult. It does not matter the age that you are starting out, what matters is the desire to keep moving forward. We often think our age is what determines our opportunities, but what matters is the desire for more and taking advantage of the opportunities we seek out or are in front of us.”
To learn more about RCC’s ESL program, contact Alondra Esquivel by email at AEsquivel@roguecc.edu or by phone at 541-956-7260.